Trainable Handheld Optical Character Recognition Systems and Methods

ABSTRACT

A handheld scanner incorporates vision software to allow the handheld scanner to be trained for OCR. The handheld scanner can include a user interface to allow a user to associate an image of a mark with electronic data for the mark. The user interface, along with a range finder, can also be used to influence variables that affect the quality of an image scan, thereby improving the quality of results for the image scan and/or decode process.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNOLOGY

The present technology relates to imaging systems, and morespecifically, to a handheld scanner with trainable optical characterrecognition functionality.

Optical imaging systems that incorporate optical character recognition(OCR) are used for reading fonts and other symbols on packages orarticles, for example. One of the most common of these imaging systemsis the handheld scanner. OCR is generally considered as an electronicconversion of scanned images of handwritten, typewritten or printed textinto machine-encoded text. It is important for imaging systems toachieve a quality scan so the image can be electronically searched,stored more compactly, displayed on-line, and used in machine processessuch as machine translation, text-to-speech and text miningapplications.

In order to improve scanning results, some optical imaging systemsutilize standardized machine readable fonts, such as OCR-A and OCR-B,that were created to make the OCR process more accurate. Thestandardized font made decoding the font in an image far lesscomplicated because the imaging system was made aware of the simplifiedfonts it was attempting to scan, and the individual characters in thefonts were designed to be easily distinguishable. For example thenumeral “zero” contains a slash in order to help discriminate it fromthe alphabetical “o” (lower case) and “O” (uppercase). Nevertheless,many imaging applications, especially those where a handheld scanner isdesired to scan an object or article, do not use standardized fonts.

Some modern OCR systems can be “trained” to recognize alternate fontsand other symbols. Yet, the training process is a complicated and timeconsuming process where each font and/or symbol must be scanned and thenmanually associated with the desired electronic character or data. Thetraining process involves use of a computer where a user can viewscanned images and match the image to the desired data. Once all thefonts or symbols are associated with the desired data, an electronicfile with all the association data can be generated and can then betransferred to the imaging system for use by the imaging system toimprove the results of a scan.

There are current handheld scanners that have limited OCR functionality,yet, these current handheld scanners require pre-configured machinereadable fonts, such as OCR-A and OCR-B. Training current handheldscanners on alternate fonts or symbols is not an option because thehandheld scanners do not have the processing power and user interface toprovide the association between fonts and symbols and the desired data.In addition, as with any imaging device, providing quality results foreach image scan can be difficult taking into consideration the numerousvariables that affect the quality of an image scan.

What is needed are systems and methods that allow a handheld scanner tobe trained on alternate fonts and/or symbols. What is also needed aresystems and methods that can improve the quality of results for eachimage scan by influencing the variables that affect the quality of animage scan.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE TECHNOLOGY

The present embodiments overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art byincorporating vision software with a handheld scanner to allow thehandheld scanner to be trained for OCR. The handheld scanner can includea user interface to allow a user to associate an image of a mark withelectronic data for the mark. The user interface, along with a rangefinder, can also be used to influence variables that affect the qualityof an image scan, thereby improving the quality of results for an imagescan and/or decode process.

Accordingly, some embodiments comprise an OCR trainable handheldscanner. The OCR trainable handheld scanner includes a scannersubassembly. The scanner subassembly includes a vision sensor, aprocessor coupled to the vision sensor, and memory coupled to theprocessor. A user interface is coupled to the scanner subassembly, withthe user interface including a visual display for viewing a live imageof at least a portion of a mark to be scanned. The visual displayincludes a region of interest viewable on the visual display, the regionof interest to enable a user to position the handheld scanner foroptimal X-Y position of the handheld scanner. A range finder is alsocoupled to the scanner subassembly, the range finder extending from aface of the scanner subassembly a predetermined distance. Thepredetermined distance provides an optimal working distance for a scan,with the range finder extending off of the face of the scannersubassembly substantially parallel to an optical axis of the visionsensor. The range finder can comprise a diffusive material. Visionsoftware executable by the processor is included, the vision softwareoperable to associate an electronic image of the mark with desiredelectronic data and to generate a font description file, the fontdescription file being usable to decode a subsequent image of the mark.

Other embodiments comprise a handheld scanner. The handheld scannerincludes a handheld scanner subassembly. The scanner subassemblyincludes a vision sensor, a processor coupled to the vision sensor, andmemory coupled to the processor. The handheld scanner subassembly isoperable to generate an electronic image of a mark and store theelectronic image of the mark in the memory. A user interface is coupledto the handheld scanner subassembly, with the user interface including avisual display for viewing a live image of at least a portion of themark to be scanned. The visual display includes a region of interestviewable on the visual display, with the region of interest enabling auser to position the handheld scanner for optimal X-Y position of thehandheld scanner for a scan of the mark.

In some embodiments, a computer can be coupled to the handheld scannersubassembly, with the computer including vision software operable todownload the electronic image of the mark, associate the electronicimage of the mark with desired electronic data, and to generate a fontdescription file of the associated mark. The computer is operable toupload the font description file to the handheld scanner subassembly,the font description file usable by the processor to decode a subsequentimage of the mark.

Yet other embodiments comprise a handheld scanner. The handheld scannerincludes a handheld scanner subassembly. The scanner subassemblyincludes a vision sensor, a processor coupled to the vision sensor, andmemory coupled to the processor. The handheld scanner subassembly isoperable to generate an electronic image of a mark and store theelectronic image of the mark in the memory. A range finder is coupled tothe handheld scanner subassembly. The range finder extends from a faceof the scanner subassembly a predetermined distance. The predetermineddistance is to provide an optimal working distance for a scan, with therange finder extending from the face of the scanner subassemblysubstantially parallel to an optical axis of the vision sensor.

Consistent with the above, some embodiments include a method forscanning a mark on an object. The method includes providing a handheldscanner, the handheld scanner including a user interface and a rangefinder; enabling a visual display on the user interface, the visualdisplay for viewing a live image of at least a portion of the mark;observing the visual display while moving the handheld scanner so thevisual display displays the live image of the at least a portion of themark; positioning the live image of the at least a portion of the marknear to or within a region of interest viewable on the visual displayfor alignment feedback; positioning the handheld scanner so a distal endof the range finder touches or is substantially near the object; andenabling a scan of the mark.

Other embodiments include a method of training a handheld scanner forOCR of a mark. The method includes providing a handheld scanner, thehandheld scanner including memory and a user interface; enabling avisual display on the user interface, the visual display for viewing alive image of the mark; observing the visual display while moving thehandheld scanner so the visual display displays the live image of themark; enabling a scan of the mark to generate an electronic image of themark; storing the electronic image of the mark in the memory;associating the electronic image of the mark with the desired electronicdata; generating a font description file that associates the electronicimage with the desired electronic data; and storing the font descriptionfile in the memory.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the technology,then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described. The followingdescription and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certainillustrative aspects of the technology. However, these aspects areindicative of but a few of the various ways in which the principles ofthe technology can be employed. Other aspects, advantages and novelfeatures of the technology will become apparent from the followingdetailed description of the technology when considered in conjunctionwith the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a handheld scanner inaccordance with the present embodiments, and showing an optionalcomputer usable for OCR functionality;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the handheld scanner as seen in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the handheld scanner as seen in FIG. 1,and showing the handheld scanner in a position prior to scanning anobject;

FIG. 4 is a view of a display screen from a handheld scanner inaccordance with the present embodiments, and showing a mark on an objectin partial view and only a portion of the mark being within a region ofinterest;

FIG. 5 is a view of the display screen as seen in FIG. 4, and nowshowing the mark in full view yet with still only a portion of the markbeing within the region of interest;

FIG. 6 is a view of the display screen as seen in FIG. 5, and nowshowing the mark in full view and with the mark being within the regionof interest;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the handheld scanner as seen in FIG. 3,now being in a scanning position with a predetermined distance from theobject to the handheld scanner; and

FIGS. 8 and 9 are flow charts of methods associated with the handheldscanner.

While the technology is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by wayof example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It shouldbe understood, however, that the description herein of specificembodiments is not intended to limit the technology to the particularforms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope of the technology as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE TECHNOLOGY

The various aspects of the subject technology are now described withreference to the annexed drawings, wherein like reference numeralscorrespond to similar elements throughout the several views. It shouldbe understood, however, that the drawings and detailed descriptionhereafter relating thereto are not intended to limit the claimed subjectmatter to the particular form disclosed. Rather, the intention is tocover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.

As used herein, the terms “component,” “system,” “device” and the likeare intended to refer to either hardware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution. The word “exemplary” isused herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration.Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarilyto be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects ordesigns.

Furthermore, the disclosed subject matter may be implemented as asystem, method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standardprogramming and/or engineering techniques and/or programming to producehardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof to control anelectronic based device to implement aspects detailed herein.

Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” and“coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass bothdirect and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings.Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical ormechanical connections or couplings. As used herein, unless expresslystated otherwise, “connected” means that one element/feature is directlyor indirectly connected to another element/feature, and not necessarilyelectrically or mechanically. Likewise, unless expressly statedotherwise, “coupled” means that one element/feature is directly orindirectly coupled to another element/feature, and not necessarilyelectrically or mechanically.

As used herein, the term “processor” may include one or more processorsand memories and/or one or more programmable hardware elements. As usedherein, the term “processor” is intended to include any of types ofprocessors, CPUs, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, or otherdevices capable of executing software instructions.

As used herein, the term “memory medium” includes a non-volatile medium,e.g., a magnetic media or hard disk, optical storage, or flash memory; avolatile medium, such as system memory, e.g., random access memory (RAM)such as DRAM, SRAM, EDO RAM, RAMBUS RAM, DR DRAM, etc.; or aninstallation medium, such as software media, e.g., a CD-ROM, or floppydisks, on which programs may be stored and/or data communications may bebuffered. The term “memory medium” may also include other types ofmemory or combinations thereof.

Embodiments of the technology are described below by using diagrams toillustrate either the structure or processing of embodiments used toimplement the embodiments of the present technology. Using the diagramsin this manner to present embodiments of the technology should not beconstrued as limiting of its scope. The present technology contemplatesboth an electronic device configuration and systems and methods forassembling an electronic device using a carrier frame to support PCBs.

The various embodiments of an imaging system will be described inconnection with a handheld scanner adapted to be trained to perform OCRon alternate fonts and other symbols. That is because the features andadvantages of the technology are well suited for this purpose. Still, itshould be appreciated that the various aspects of the technology can beapplied in other forms of imaging systems that may benefit from OCRfunctionality.

Referring now to FIG. 1, one exemplary embodiment will be described inthe context of a handheld scanner 20 that includes, among othercomponents, a scanner subassembly 22, a user interface 24, and anoptional range finder 26. The exemplary handheld scanner 20 can be usedin a warehousing, manufacturing, assembly, automation, and/or controlapplication, among others, as non-limiting examples. The exemplaryhandheld scanner 20 can use image acquisition software 30 operable toperform any of various types of image acquisitions. The handheld scanner20 can perform machine vision tasks including scanning and decodingimages containing fonts and/or symbols, as non-limiting examples.

Referring still to FIG. 1, the scanner subassembly 22 can include avariety of components that are used in the scanning process. Forexample, scanner subassembly 22 can include a vision sensor 32. Thevision sensor 32 serves to convert reflected light from an object 34 andassociated mark 38 (shown as a stylized S) on the object into electronsto create an electronic image 48 of the mark 38 in the field of view(FOV) 36 when a trigger 40 is pulled or released. In some embodiments, alens assembly 42 can be positioned over or in front of the vision sensor32 to provide a view of the object 34 in the FOV 36 to the vision sensor32.

Scanner subassembly 22 can also include a processor 44 used for imageprocessing and decoding, for example. The processor 44 is coupled to thevision sensor 32, and can either be part of the vision sensor 32, or itcan be locally linked to the vision sensor 32. The processor 44 can beencoded with the image acquisition software 30 that can be configuredto, among other things, control illumination, acquire image data, andprocess/decode the acquired image data into usable information.Processor 44 can also be coupled to one or more visual feedback devices46 and/or one or more audio feedback devices 50 to provide feedback to auser indicating the results of the scan and/or decode process (e.g.,whether or not the quality of the imaged mark meets or exceeds abaseline quality assessment value). For example, visual feedback devices46 may include lights or light emitting diodes 46 and the audio feedbackdevice 50 may include a small speaker or beeper device 50. In at leastsome cases, different LED colors may be used to indicate whether or notthe mark quality passes the baseline value test (e.g., a green LED mayindicate high mark quality while a red LED indicates a mark that faileda quality test).

Scanner subassembly 22 can also include a memory medium 52 coupled tothe vision sensor 32 and/or the processor 44. The memory medium can beused for storing scanned or processed images 48, font description files58, and buffering data and communications, and the like. A communicationport 54 can also be coupled to the processor 44, and provide aconnection point to an optional computer 56. The computer 56 can be usedfor uploading and downloading scanned or processed images 48, and fontdescription files 58, for example. It is to be appreciated that wirelesscommunications are also contemplated.

Referring to FIG. 1, and also FIG. 2, the handheld scanner 20 can alsoinclude a user interface 24 to allow a user to affect the quality of theresults from a scan. In some embodiments, the user interface cancomprise a small portable data terminal or similar device running theMicrosoft Windows CE platform, for example.

The user interface 24 can include a display screen 60 and a keyboard 62,and can be integral with the scanner subassembly 22, or can be aremovable device that can operatively couple to the scanner subassembly22. In some embodiments, the display screen 60 can include touch screenfunctionality, eliminating or reducing the number of keys that may beincluded with the keyboard 62. The display screen 60 provides a livefeedback view 64 of what is in at least a portion of the FOV 36 of thehandheld scanner 20.

The exemplary display screen 60 can include a region of interest (ROI)area 66 outlined or otherwise visible to the user on the display screen60. The live feedback view 64 and ROI 66 allows the user to manuallyaffect at least one imaging variable to improve the quality of theresults from a scan by allowing the user to generally see a live imageof what the vision sensor 32 is seeing in the FOV 36, and to repositionthe handheld scanner 20 so the desired mark 38 is optimally positionedwithin the ROI 66 for a scan. The live feedback view 64 can be enabledwhen the trigger 40 is pulled, or optionally, the live feedback view 64can be enabled when the handheld scanner 20 is powered on and ready toscan, for example.

Referring to FIG. 3, a user would position the handheld scanner 20 acertain distance away from the object 34 and associated mark 38 to bescanned. In some embodiments, the user would then engage the trigger 40to allow the display screen 60 to display the live feedback view 64. TheROI 66 can generally be permanent on the display screen 60, such as withan overlay, or the ROI 66 can be an adjustable image where the heightand width can be adjusted for specific applications, and displayed onthe display screen 60 along with the live feedback view 64. It is to beappreciated that the ROI 66 need not be a square, as shown, but can beany indication on the display screen 60 that would allow a user toreposition the handheld scanner 20 to improve the quality of the resultsfrom a scan. For example, a circle, an “X”, a dot, or arrows, or anycombination, can be used.

Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary view of a display screen 60 is shownwhere the mark 38 is partially within the FOV 36 of vision sensor 32 andis therefore partially displayed on the display screen 60. The user, inseeing the mark 38 only partially displayed, can then adjust theposition of the handheld scanner 20 in an attempt to reposition thehandheld scanner 20 (or reposition the mark 38) so the mark 38 is withinthe ROI 66. FIG. 5 shows an example where the mark 38 is within the FOV36 and is partially with the ROI 66. In some embodiments, the mark 38could be scanned at this point. To improve the quality of the resultsfrom the scan, the user could further reposition the handheld scanner 20(or reposition the mark 38) so the mark 38 is substantially orcompletely within the ROI 66. FIG. 6 shows a view of the display screen60 where the mark 38 is completely within the ROI 66.

In some embodiments, the visual feedback device 46 and/or the audiofeedback device 50 can be used to provide feedback to a user indicatinga position of the mark 38, e.g., the mark is partially or completelywithin the ROI.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an embodiment of the handheld scanner 20 caninclude a range finder 26. The range finder 26 can also serve to improvethe quality of the results from the scan, alone, or in combination withthe display screen 60 and associated ROI 66. When using a traditionalhandheld scanner, uncertainty is inherently introduced in a mark scan bythe physical position of the object 34 and associated mark 38 inrelation to the handheld scanner. The display screen 60 and associatedROI 66 improve the X-Y position of one or both of the handheld scanner20 and the mark 38, and offer some improvement in the Z position orworking distance, while the use of the range finder 26 can position thehandheld scanner 20 for optimal working distance and scale, while alsoaiding in the X-Y position.

In embodiments with the range finder 26, results of a scan can beimproved provided the handheld scanner 20 is a predetermined optimaldistance 72 from the object 34 and associated mark 38 to be scanned sothat the image is generally in focus without requiring the processor 44to perform extensive calculations in an attempt to improve the focus ofthe mark 38. The optimal working distance is important to determine thescale of the mark in the image and to insure a sufficient focus. Inother embodiments, lens assembly 42 can be a constant focus or “zoom”lens assembly 42 that can be used to provide constant magnification fora wide range of working distances.

In the embodiment shown, the range finder 26 includes a plurality offingers 86 extending from a base 90 (see FIG. 2). In this configuration,the mark 38 can remain visible to a user that may be looking at the mark38 on the object 34. In other embodiments, the range finder 26 may bemore tubular or rectangular in shape without any gaps as provided by thefingers 86, thereby partially or substantially reducing the user'sability to visualize the actual mark 38 on the object 34.

As shown in FIG. 7, the range finder 26 can extend from a front end face74 of the handheld scanner 20. The range finder 26 can be a rigid memberthat extends along a trajectory that is substantially parallel to acentral trajectory (not shown) of the FOV 36. In operation, a user canposition the handheld scanner 20 so that a distal end 76 of the rangefinder 26 contacts a first surface 80 of the object 34 adjacent to themark 38 to be read prior to activating the handheld scanner 20. Here,the length 82 of the range finder 26 (see FIG. 2) is designed so thatthe optimal imaging distance 72 occurs between the handheld scanner 20and first surface 80 when distal end 76 contacts the first surface 80.Thus, range finder 26 also can help to eliminate or reduce at least oneimaging variable in at least some embodiments.

Referring still to FIG. 7, while the range finder 26 is shown as rigidand integrally formed with the handheld scanner 20, in some embodiments,the range finder 26 can be flexible, can be telescoping like a radioantenna, and can fold into a storage position, for example. In someembodiments, the range finder 26 can be removable. For instance, rangefinder 26 can attach at the front face 74 using a clip or collar 84 orthe like that couples to the front face 74 of the handheld scanner 20.The range finder 26 can also be made of a diffusive material, therebytaking advantage of lighting options available with the handheld scanner20. The illumination from the handheld scanner 20 can then pass throughthe diffusive material and provide additional diffuse illuminationbenefits to improve the quality of the results from a scan.

In some embodiments, a measurement device 92, such as a known LED orlaser diode 92 for distance measurements, can be included in combinationwith the range finder 26 or in place of the range finder (see FIG. 2).The laser diode 92 can operate in unison with the display screen 60 toprovide an indication when an optimal working distance is reached. Themeasurement device 92 can function as a range finder, such as a time offlight laser range finder. The measurement device 92 can be used todetermine the distance to the mark 38 used for training and the distanceto the mark 38 used for scanning. Scale differences between training andscanning configurations could then be known and the magnification can becompensated by standard machine vision techniques, such as resizing theimage, or compensating for scale in an OCR algorithm.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the handheld scanner 20 can be trained toperform OCR on custom and/or alternate fonts and other symbols. In thisway, a user is able to control what fonts and symbols the handheldscanner 20 is able to accurately scan and decode.

A problem with current handheld scanners is that they are limited toscanning standardized machine readable fonts such as known charactersets OCR-A and OCR-B, and are not able to be trained to the user'srequirements. These characters were designed to be easily read andrecognized. The current handheld scanners are not able to read customcharacters, and that can be printed using different printing methods,such as dot matrix, and they are not able to read custom characters thatare printed on consumer items, such as a bag of potato chips. Thesescanning applications frequently involve non-typical reading conditions,including varying light, varying depth of field, various printingmethods, and varying angular reads. These conditions present problemsthat are not resolved in current OCR capable handheld scanners. Theincorporation of the display screen 60 and the range finder 26 with thetrained handheld scanner 20 to recognize alternate fonts and symbolsaddresses these non-typical reading conditions.

To train the handheld scanner 20, in one embodiment, a computer 56 maybe used to create a font description file 58 that associates an imagewith a font. The handheld scanner 20 can be used to acquire anelectronic image 48 of a character, e.g., mark 38. The image 48 can bedownloaded to the computer 56 where vision software 96, such asIn-Sight® Explorer software from Cognex Corporation, can be used toassociate the image with a font. Once the font description file 58 iscreated, the font description file 58 can be uploaded to memory 52 inthe handheld scanner 20. The handheld scanner 20 can then be configuredto read the font description file 58, which allows the handheld scanner20 to scan and decode the font.

In an alternative embodiment, the computer 54 can be eliminated and theassociation process and font description file 58 generation can takeplace on the handheld scanner 20. The user interface 24 can include thevision software 96 and the keyboard 62 can include sufficientfunctionality to complete the association process.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate embodiments of methods for use of a handheldscanner 20. The methods shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 may be used inconjunction with any of the systems or devices shown in the aboveFigures, among others. In various embodiments, some of the methodelements shown may be performed concurrently, in a different order thanshown, or may be omitted. Additional method elements may also beperformed as desired.

Referring to FIG. 8, a method 120 is shown for scanning a mark 38 on anobject 34. A first step can be to provide a handheld scanner 20including a user interface 24 and a range finder 26, as indicated atprocess block 122. At process block 124, a user can squeeze the trigger40 to enable the visual display 60. At process block 126, the user canthen observe the visual display 60 while moving the handheld scanner 20so as to position the mark 38 as reasonably possible near to or withinthe ROI 66. The user can then position the handheld scanner 20, atprocess block 130, such that the distal end 76 of the range finder 20touches or is substantially near the first surface 80 of the object 34and the mark 38 to provide the optimal working distance for the scan. Itis to be appreciated that the handheld scanner 20 may already be at thisoptimal distance position. When the user has the mark 38 positionedwithin the ROI 66 (see FIG. 7), and the distal end 76 of the rangefinder 26 touches the object 34, at process block 132, the use releasesthe trigger 40 to enable the scan. Optionally, at process block 134, theprocessor 44 can then decode the scan. Optionally, as indicated atprocess block 136, the handheld scanner 20 can provide an indication ofa successful image scan and/or decode by enabling one or more feedbackdevices 46, 50, and/or by displaying the decoded image on the displayscreen 60 for the user to see. The process can then be repeated for thenext mark to be scanned.

Referring to FIG. 9, a method 150 of training a handheld scanner 20 forOCR of a mark 38 is shown. A first step can be to provide a handheldscanner 20 including memory 52 and a user interface 24, as indicated atprocess block 152. At process block 154, a visual display 60 on the userinterface 24 can be enabled. The visual display 60 can be for viewing alive image of the mark 38. At process block 156, the user can thenobserve the visual display 60 while moving or positioning the handheldscanner 20 so the visual display 60 displays the live image of the mark38. At process block 160, a scan of the mark 38 can be enabled togenerate an electronic image of the mark. The electronic image of themark 38 can then be stored in the memory 52, as indicated at processblock 162. Next, at process block 164, the electronic image of the mark38 can be associated with the desired electronic data. A fontdescription file 58 can then be generated that associates the electronicimage with the desired electronic data, as indicated at process block166, and at process block 168, the font description file 58 can bestored in the memory 52.

Although the present technology has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the technology. For example, the present technology is notlimited to the embodiments of smart cameras and associated devices shownherein and may be practiced with other linescan cameras.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as thetechnology may be modified and practiced in different but equivalentmanners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of theteachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to thedetails of construction or design herein shown, other than as describedin the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particularembodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all suchvariations are considered within the scope and spirit of the technology.Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claimsbelow.

1. (canceled)
 2. A handheld scanner comprising: a scanner subassembly,the scanner subassembly including a vision sensor, a processor coupledto the vision sensor, and memory coupled to the processor; and a userinterface coupled to the scanner subassembly, the user interfaceincluding a visual display for viewing a live image of at least aportion of a mark to be scanned, the visual display including a regionof interest viewable on the visual display, the region of interest toenable a user to position the handheld scanner for optical X-Y positionof the handheld scanner.
 3. The handheld scanner of claim 2, wherein theuser interface comprises a portable data terminal.
 4. The handheldscanner of claim 2, further comprising a range finder coupled to thescanner subassembly, the range finder extending from a face of thescanner subassembly a predetermined distance, the predetermined distanceto provide an optimal working distance for a scan, the range finderextending off of the face of the scanner subassembly substantiallyparallel to an optical axis of the vision sensor.
 5. The handheldscanner of claim 4, wherein the range finder comprises a diffusivematerial.
 6. The handheld scanner of claim 4, further comprising a lightsource on the scanner subassembly to provide illumination, the rangefinder comprising a diffusive material, and the illumination passingthrough the range finder diffusive material to provide diffuseillumination on the mark.
 7. The handheld scanner of claim 2, furthercomprising vision software executable by the processor, the visionsoftware operable to associate an electronic image of the mark withdesired electronic data and to generate a font description file, thefont description file usable to decode the subsequent image of the mark.8. The handheld scanner of claim 2, further comprising a constant focuslens assembly to provide a substantially constant magnification for apredetermined range of working distances.
 9. The handheld scanner ofclaim 2, further comprising a measurement device, the measurement deviceto determine a distance to the mark, the processor using the distance tothe mark for a scale determination.
 10. The handheld scanner of claim 2,further comprising a computer coupled to the handheld scannersubassembly, the computer including vision software operable to downloadthe electronic image of the mark, associate the electronic image of themark with desired electronic data, and to generate a font descriptionfile of the associated mark.
 11. The handheld scanner of claim 10,wherein the computer is operable to upload the font description file tothe handheld scanner subassembly, the font description file usable bythe processor to decode a subsequent image of the mark.
 12. A handheldscanner comprising: a scanner subassembly, the scanner subassemblyincluding a vision sensor, a processor coupled to the vision sensor, andmemory coupled to the processor; and comprising a range finder coupledto the scanner subassembly, the range finder extending from a face ofthe scanner subassembly a predetermined distance, the predetermineddistance to provide an optimal working distance for a scan, the rangefinder extending off of the face of the scanner subassemblysubstantially parallel to an optical axis of the vision sensor.
 13. Thehandheld scanner of claim 12, wherein the range finder comprises adiffusive material.
 14. The handheld scanner of claim 12, wherein therange finder comprises a plurality of fingers extending from a base, thebase coupled to the handheld scanner subassembly.
 15. The handheldscanner of claim 12, further comprising a light source on the scannersubassembly to provide illumination, the range finder comprising adiffusive material, and the illumination passing through the rangefinder diffusive material to provide diffuse illumination on the mark.16. The handheld scanner of claim 12, further comprising vision softwareexecutable by the processor, the vision software operable to associatean electronic image of the mark with desired electronic data and togenerate a font description file, the font description file usable todecode the subsequent image of the mark.
 17. A handheld scannercomprising: a scanner subassembly, the scanner subassembly including avision sensor, a processor coupled to the vision sensor, and memorycoupled to the processor; and vision software executable by theprocessor, the vision software operable to associate an electronic imageof a mark with desired electronic data and to generate a fontdescription file, the font description file usable to decode thesubsequent image of the mark.